On one of my last days in Arizona, my s-i-l and I hiked Wind Cave Trail, not far from Mesa in distance but, as you can see, not at all city. It was the first really nice day in the nine I’d been there, so there were quite a few people on the steep, rocky trail. That tan bit is one of the smoother parts of the trail.
We worked up quite a sweat walking up, but in the shelter of the “cave” (overhang), we quickly became chilly. Emerging into the sun, we had a glorious view of the Phoenix area in the distance, the downtown area just to the left of the two little hills. (If you click on the photo and then click again, you can see the buildings.) The dotted line of white just above halfway is made up of the parked vehicles of the hikers. There’s also quite a “forest” of saguaro cacti. Although the view was great, we had to keep our eyes firmly on the trail, only looking while stopped. You definitely don’t want to get off the trail and into the cacti without paying attention!
Warm and dry. Watch your step. Dogs never learn.
There were lots of people with dogs that day, but all on leash (the dogs, of course), so hopefully that precluded any problems. 🙂
janet
I love the desert, especially the Sonoran variety with the saguaro and ocotillo cacti. The desert, and it’s dwellers, are beautiful, but can be deadly to those who don’t pay attention. I spent a winter in 1958 working on a dude (guest) ranch in the Wickenburg area. North and a bit West of where you were.
Lenore, you’re right about both the beauty and the possible deadliness of the desert. I know about dude ranches. 🙂
janet
Janet, welcome back, your image is just what I needed this morning. I’ve spent much time in the Southwest and West, and it’s always cathartic. Your capture is filled with reminders of the beauty and majesty of the area. Happy Photo Challenge.
It’s nice to be back, Sally, even though as you know, the cyber break was wonderful. I’m glad you enjoyed the shot. It was a marvelous view! Have a wonderful day and week.
janet
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What a gorgeous day for a hike and some mobile photography. I like this photo, Janet. The cactus in the foreground and the tree branches framing the edges of the image combine to make a delightful composition.
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It was a lovely day, Allan, in all ways. Thanks for noticing the composition. That’s what caught my eye at that particular spot.
It’s a beautiful environment – all the little textures, colors and discoveries if you pay attention, but not my fav place. But those barrel cactus always make me smile – they are like little alien ushers waiting to show you around.
But be careful how you address them. Their response can be very sharp. 🙂
janet
Prickly pears are training wheels by comparison!
It’s so beautiful, and so different from the Pacific Northwest! We have a very small variety of wild cactus growing on a rocky outcrop by the ocean — wicked thorns, as my dog and I both learned the hard way.
One of the things I enjoy so much about travel is seeing the many different types of flora and fauna. It’s amazing to me the way animals burrow holes in and then live in cacti and seeing birds casually sitting on them is quite funny. But the spines of the cacti are not so funny.
janet
Looks like that barrel cactus is sitting and watching a show. And what a show. Lovely desert photo, Janet.
It is quite a show, Angeline, one I greatly enjoy whenever I have a chance to see it. This view was new to me, but it was a good one.
I love the composition in this photo. It seems to go on forever.
It does go quite a distance, Dan. While I love macro photography, I also love the feeling of infinity that comes from views like this one. I’m glad you do as well.
janet
I like how the size of the cactus in the foreground makes it look like a close-up.
Gorgeous view! Wonderful depth!
I’m happy to know you enjoyed it so much, Marian. And you didn’t even have to walk up there to see it. 🙂
janet
Warm and dry. Watch your progression. Mutts never learn….What an exquisite day for a climb and some portable photography. I like this photograph, Janet…
I’m glad you like it. Truly it was a wonderful day, especially after the somewhat cold days preceding it.